Seven Counties Services Can Help

For many, summer is a season filled with free time, longer days, fewer responsibilities, and the promise of fun. But for some young people, summer is one of the most difficult times of the year. Without the structure of school, consistent routines, and daily access to trusted adults, youth who are already struggling may feel even more isolated. Mental health challenges don’t take a break for summer. In fact, they can intensify.

Summer Can Be Tough
During the school year, students often have built-in support systems including teachers who notice behavior changes, counselors who check in, and friends who offer companionship. When summer comes, many of those touchpoints disappear. That loss of structure can lead to:

• Increased feelings of loneliness or disconnection
• More time spent online, sometimes making anxiety worse
• Gaps in access to mental health services provided through schools
• Heightened exposure to challenging home environments
• Risk of substance use and other unhealthy activities

Signs that Show a Young Person May Be Struggling
Changes can be subtle at first when youth are in crisis, but they matter. Some warning signs include:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
• Talking about feeling hopeless, alone, or like a burden
• Risky behavior or substance use
• Expressions of self-harm or thoughts of suicide

Any one of these signs is worth paying attention to. Together, they signal a need for immediate crisis support and intervention.

Start the Conversation
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult, one of the most powerful things you can do is create safe space for honest conversation. These words can offer comfort:

• “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Want to talk?”
• “You don’t have to handle everything on your own.”
• “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Listen more than you talk. People need to feel seen and heard before they’re ready to accept help.

Where to Turn: Local Resources Matter
In our community, Seven Counties Services is a trusted resource for behavioral health support. We provide comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and families, including:

• Outpatient therapy and counseling
• Crisis stabilization services
• School-based programs
• Family support resources
• Substance use treatment

For nearly 50 years, our teams have worked with children and families to offer care that is accessible, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs – we can help you. If a situation feels urgent, our crisis services team can connect people with immediate help and guidance, because no one should have to go through a mental health crisis alone.

Build a Safety Net This Summer
Even small steps can help protect and support youth during the summer months:

• Keep routines where possible – Regular sleep, meals, and activities create stability
• Encourage connection – Camps, clubs, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities can help maintain social ties; consider the Seven Counties Services TAYLRD Drop-In Center as a resource for example.
• Limit isolation – Check in regularly, even if it’s just a quick conversation
• Normalize mental health – Talk openly about emotions and seeking help
• Know your resources – Save crisis numbers and local support services ahead of time

Let the Sunlight in for a Season of Support
With awareness, conversation, and access to the right resources, summer can move from a time of isolation and mental health crises to a season of support, healing, and connection. If you’re concerned about a young person in your life, contact us:

• Mental health services & support for substance use disorder | (502) 589-1100
• Request an appointment.

If your child or a child in your care is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7 and ask for child crisis services.

Reviewed by Brittany Pape, LPCC, division director, Child & Family Services Acute, Downtown